Remote Key Fob Repair
Modern vehicles come with remote controls that can be used to lock, unlock, or start the vehicle. However, like any piece of high-tech equipment it is not without its own issues.
They are generally easy to fix. You can reset it by following the directions in the owner's manual.
Check the Battery
The battery in the fob that powers it is responsible for the remote control function. It's a small and inexpensive component that needs to be replaced regularly to ensure the fob's functionality. There are other reasons why your key fob might not be functioning, aside from the battery. Water exposure, physical damage or internal component malfunction could be the reason. Regardless of the cause, if your key fob isn't responding and is not responding, it's time to replace its battery.
First, ensure you have the correct size battery. Nearly all modern key fobs use the standard CR2032 three-volt battery that is easily accessible at a variety of stores. Most of these batteries are marked with the size on one of the fob's edges. A quick search for the name of your car's brand should help you find the specific type of battery you need.
Once you have the right battery take a moment to open the key fob and remove its battery. Take a photograph of the inside of the fob to ensure that you put it back together correctly. This simple step could save you from having to purchase a replacement fob if you make an error when making it.
It is important to be aware that some key fobs have an additional mechanical key, referred to as an emergency blade. The key blade is inside the key fob and it allows you to open the door to the driver's side of your car in the event that the remote control is not working. To get to the blade of the key, you must locate the notch that lies in the middle of the fob. The notch is typically an oval shape that is hidden by the plastic casing of the fob.
If you want to check the battery's voltage with extra care, you can use the multimeter. The majority of modern key fobs come with built-in voltmeters, but you can get a multimeter in the majority of hardware stores for a few dollars. In general the battery should be reading 3.0 volts or more. A reading that is lower than that could indicate a battery that is in its final stages and should be replaced immediately.
Check the Buttons
They may look like sophisticated, luxurious convenience items however, keys for cars aren't impervious to destruction. It's not uncommon for these remote devices to stop working after a time, particularly when the vehicle is used frequently or if there's lots of physical abuse that is associated with it. In most cases, it's easy to diagnose an issue and fix it with the remote fob. Most of the time, all that is needed is an updated battery.
A lot of modern car key fobs have several buttons that can be used for various purposes including locking and unlocking the doors, activating the panic button, and opening the trunk. When a button on the fob is hit, it transmits a radio code to a receiver within the vehicle. Some fobs also have a button that can start the engine, which can be particularly useful in cold winter mornings and hot summer days.
The buttons on a key fob are reset by simply taking it apart and checking that they are not broken or stuck. The battery connector terminals of a key fob could get loose over time, despite the fact that they are not designed to be disassembled. Soldering is a method to reconnect the button contacts to the circuit board in case they've been disconnected. This will bring back the fob's functionality.
If a fob is damaged or dropped, the buttons might be damaged, misaligned or out of alignment. These problems are more difficult to fix by yourself. However a local auto shop can fix them with the right equipment and expertise.
Keep a spare key fob an area that is secure in case the one you use frequently stops working. This can help keep you from being left without your keys or needing to pay a significant amount of money to have your vehicle towed back to the dealer. Make sure to check your car insurance, car club membership, or extended warranty coverage to determine the cost of replacing a new key fob.
Check the Casing
It's not common for keys to get wet, be it from a pool, a rainstorm or even your washing machine. The resultant moisture can cause destruction to the electronic components inside, causing a host of malfunctions. It's important to know that you can save a key fob from destruction by following a couple of simple steps and drying it thoroughly.
The first step is to check the buttons are still functioning correctly. This usually means removing the buttons, cleaning them, and reassembling them. If the buttons are stuck or don't appear to be able to open, it could be time to replace your remote.
Examine the case to ensure that there is nothing blocking the operation of the key fob. Open the case with tweezers and take out the battery. Do not disassemble the antennas or circuit board. These have electric current running through them that keeps the key fob's programed to your vehicle. And when you break the circuits, you'll have to go to a dealer or choose an Interstate All Battery Center location to re-program the device.
After you have replaced and removed the battery, it's an ideal idea to dry the key fob by placing it in an airtight bag that contains silica gel packets. This will avoid future problems with moisture and make your key fob more robust.
If, after all this, the fob is still not functioning properly, you'll have to visit a dealership or an independent shop that is specialized in your particular make and model of vehicle. They will be able to reprogram the fob's key to your vehicle and hopefully return the function to its original state.
If you're not able to find a replacement key fob from NAPA can be purchased through the internet or at your local NAPA Auto Parts store. These do-it-yourself-operated remotes look as the factory key fob but are much more affordable and can be easily connected with your vehicle using simple instructions. NAPA offers a number of do-it yourself replacements that you can program in a matter of minutes.
Check the Connections
The key fob you have may not function, even though it is still programmed for your car. This could be due to various reasons, including malfunctioning batteries or buttons. It is possible to fix the issue yourself by performing a simple maintenance.
The first thing you have to do is make sure that your backup remote is able to lock and unlock the doors of your car. If car key remote repair near me can't, you may have an issue with your primary remote. If you're still having trouble doing it, you can try replacing the batteries in your backup remote.
Before you replace the battery it's a good idea to pull off the key fob and do an inspection of the circuit board. You'll want to ensure that there aren't any damaged solder joints that must be repaired by re-soldering. Once you're done you can replace your key fob battery and rebuild it.
After you have replaced the battery and reassembled your key fob, test the connection to your vehicle. This can be done by inserting a small flathead screwdriver in the notch on the bottom of your key fob. Then, you can break your key fob's two halves and remove the circuitboard gently. Insert a new CR2032 3V battery with the negative side facing downwards. Once you've successfully inserted the circuit board, you are able to rebuild the key fob and try again.
If this doesn't solve the issue, you might have a bigger problem. In this instance, you should call your dealer or a repair shop that is specialized in your car's make. They can determine the problem using a radio-frequency tester, which is a device that can determine whether your key fob sends an electronic signal to the car's computer.
Hopefully, this guide has been useful to anyone having trouble with their vehicle's key fob. Contact us if you have any questions or concerns. We'll be glad to assist you getting back on the road in Deptford or Cherry Hill!